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August Beauty Roundup

ACURE 2-in-1 Damage Control Shampoo + Conditioner

I am a HUGE fan of the ACURE line, and when I was in my local Whole Foods the other day and saw this new product by them, I just had to grab it and give it a try.

Typically, I have never been a fan of the all-in-product hare-care products, but the new 2-in-1 Damage Control Shampoo + Conditioner changed my mind! With coconut oil and brazilian keratin to protect and nourish damaged (that’s me), frizzed (me too), flattened, color treated, and highly styled hair, this 2-in-1 hair wellness system protects against protein loss and cleanses while it deep conditions.

The smell is D-I-V-I-N-E… it does not have that all-too-familiar, overly-processed coconut smell I grew up on, but instead a pure scent that is not overwhelming.

Here’s how I used it…

After wetting my hair, I pumped out a ‘serving’ and worked it into my hair. I left it there for about 5 minutes, allowing the coconut oil and other ingredients to really work their way in. I rinsed and did not have to repeat.

Note: The shampoo instructions actually say, “Apply to wet hair. Massage into scalp and hair, working through the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Feel free to belt out some horrible 80s tune that you listen to when nobody’s around. Whatever, you totally do it.” #TruthTime… I felt the necessity to sing an 80’s tune to get the full experience. I’m a Jersey-girl, so it was a Bon Jovi song 🙂

And as always, all ACURE products are vegan, sulfate free, paragon free and cruelty free.

Lux 7 All-in-One Face Cream

What I love is that it does not sit on top of my skin, but absorbs quickly after application. It has just the right consistency; not too thin, not too thick… as Goldilocks would say, “It’s just right!”

But one of my absolute favorite things about this product is the back-story of the product creator, Cynthia Ransom…

As a holistic practitioner with a demanding schedule, Cynthia Ransom was compelled to create much needed skincare products that are convenient, affordable, luxurious and truly natural….but most importantly, proven to yield genuine results.

Desiring an effective yet simple anti-aging routine, she began creating products using holistic ingredients and a few secret weapons. Her skin-repairing arsenal included a mystical formula received from her client, a 68-year-old Shaman that Cynthia will tell you has “amazing skin!” (TOTALLY LOVE THIS!)

The Shaman (or ‘medicine woman’) partnered with Good Karma to share her seven oil formula she received in meditation; thus Lux 7 was born. Using the oil as the foundation, Cynthia worked with bio-chemists for over two years to perfect her nutrient dense formulations. Once finalized, simplifying the beauty process was realized by taking four of her products; a daily moisturizer, a skin refining serum, an eye cream and a night cream and combining them into ONE JAR. Thus Lux 7 All-in-One Face Cream was born.

Goat Milk Stuff, Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Soap

Have you ever had a soap that not only does the job in the shower but perfumes the air as well? Enter one that does just that, and is now on my top-fav list, Goat Milk Stuff, created by the Jonas Family in Scottsburg, IN.

Oatmeal, Milk & Honey is one of their most popular scents (mine as well) and is packaged in a cute, cotton drawstring bag. #TruthTime, I have the bag next to my computer to sniff up the goaty-goodness! Once I am done with it, I plan on using it in my dresser as a sachet. (Have to love re-purposing 🙂

Why all the hullabaloo about goat’s milk? We reached out and found out that…

“It turns out the properties contained in it can significantly delay signs of skin aging due to the high content of alpha-hydroxy acids. Alpha-hydroxy acids break down dead skin cell bonds, removing dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and leaving behind new cells on the surface that appear smoother and more youthful. Water-based soaps use harsh chemical acids to break down dead skin cells. The lasting effect of chemical acids on the skin is more similar to a chemical “burn.” Alpha hydroxyl acids found in goat’s milk, work with skin instead of breaking it down and aging it further. Plus, studies have shown that goat’s milk soap is effective for treating acne and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis too! This is primarily because goat’s milk soap has anti-bacterial properties that delay the growth of microbial organisms that spur the spread of acne.”

Besides a full line of soaps, the Jonas family has many goat milk products as well including cheese, sweets and more.

Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

Oooooh do I LOVE this stuff! Having sensitive skin, I always need to be careful when a product offers exfoliation. I am happy to report that not only is Sea Buckthorn Exfoliating Facial Cleanser extremely mild, but it has a gorgeous, clean/refreshing scent. The consistency of the cleanser is lightweight, with a gel-like consistency, leaving my skin with a dewy glow, which I totally dig for summer.

Which brings me to the actual sea buckthorn – what in the world is it and why do I need it? Checking out their website, there is a lot (a way lot) to know and learn…

“Basically the seabuckthorns are deciduous shrubs that extend from the Atlantic coasts of Europe right across to northwestern China.With an outstanding profile of vitamins, minerals, polyphenols, flavonoids, Omegas 3, 6, and 9, as well as over 190 phytonutrients, sea buckthorn is the superfruit of superfruits and provides many benefits to the human body. This miracle berry also features the rare Omega-7 fatty acid and the highest antioxidants among all super fruits. Tibetan locals call it “Life Oil”.”

Which leads me to….

SeabuckWonders Ultimate Hair, Skin & Nails

I will start out by saying… Menopause is a b**ch and while also battling thyroid issues, this is kind of a 1-2 punch when it comes to my hair, skin and nails. Working closely with my Naturopath over the past year+, we have developed a great protocol for dealing with most issues that come with the territory. I recently added SeabuckWonders Ultimate Hair, Skin & Nails to the regime and was pleasantly surprised by the increase in nail density!

KYPRIS Beauty Elixir I: 1,000 Roses

OMG… is this stuff to die for! Featuring organic, wild-crafted, and sustainably grown ingredients, this is a beauty elixir to be adored. It is especially beneficial for skin challenged by time (that’s me) and the elements, such as unruly hormones (me again) or pollution.

Here is my regime with this…

Immediately after washing my face, when it is still slightly moist, I place 2-3 drops of the KYPRIS Beauty Elixir I: 1,000 Roses into the center of my hand (with this a little goes a long way). I leave it there for a moment, and feel the effects of the oil on the center of my palm. Next I rub my hands together to warm the oil and then I place my hands gently around my nose and take in a deep breath… and another deep breath. Finally I push the oil gently into my face and neck. KYPRIS also suggests that you offer your Self honest compliments as you anoint your skin. I completely agree; a beautiful ritual for an amazing product.